Returner Mark Jones watching, waiting

Titans return man Mark Jones said he’s a patient person, so he won’t let his early setback in training camp get him down.

Mark Jones at work during the offseason. (File photo)

The Titans signed Jones this offseason as the replacement for Chris Carr, but when the team held its first special teams practice on Monday morning Jones was a spectator.

The former Tennessee Vol is dealing with a right hamstring injury. He aggravated an old injury during the first day of training camp on Friday and hasn’t practiced since.

He’s scheduled to have an MRI on the hamstring Monday.

“I had a little setback, but the good thing is it is getting better each day,” Jones said. “I am continuing to trust God and do my part in the training room to get myself back on the field. I want to get out there and show what I can do.”

Jones said he tore scar tissue from previous injury while running a slant in practice. He said he has no problems walking or jogging, “but there is a difference between me walking and going out there and competing.”

It’s looking like Jones won’t be available for Sunday’s preseason opener against the Bills at Canton, Ohio.

During Monday’s special teams practice, Chris Davis, Lavelle Hawkins and Rafael Little all fielded kickoffs. Jones is looking forward to joining them. A year ago with the Panthers, he averaged 24 yards on 40 returns and averaged 11.4 yards on 39 punt returns.

“I am a patient guy, so I am not going to force myself to be out there and be out for the year,” Jones said. “I want to come back healthy and nothing nagging and do well when I’m out there.”